About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
January 16th, 2008 by jamie a
Hula Dancers
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The week-long returns to the Hilo Civic Center this year from March 30 - April 5, 2008 (Hilo is on the Big Island, not Oahu, but offers short and very affordable flights between islands). The festival was founded 40 years ago in an effort to promote the art of hula. Named the world’s premier hula forum, this festival has led to a renaissance of Hawaiian culture.
In addition to hula performances, there will also be a wide variety of art, craft fairs, demonstrations, and a parade that exemplifies the culture of Hawaii. You can also check out the Miss Aloha Hula Competition or pop in to the three-day hula competition of both modern and ancient styles of hula. If you’d like to check out these events, they do require , but the rest of the festivities are free.
This is a fantastic way to experience Hawaiian culture at its best, so be sure and make it part of your visit to the islands!
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Oahu?
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January 15th, 2008 by jamie a
Hilton’s Hawaiian Village
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Fellow blogger Mary Jo over at Fly Away Cafe, recently posted about checking out Hilton’s Hawaiian Village to grab a drink at their famous Shell Bar. The bar, featured in the “Hawaiian Eye” television series that ran from 1959- 1963, was a favorite hangout of the main characters.
The crime fighting detectives from Honolulu used to hang out at the bar once an episode since they had an office there and were house detectives at the Hawaiian Village Hotel. Most of the show was filmed in Los Angeles, but the Shell Bar was the basis for their fictional hangout. If you were a fan of the show, this is a must-see stop on your trip!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
To learn more about the people of Hawaii and their culture, head over to Kumu Kahua Theatre, which specializes in “Plays about life in Hawaii…Plays by Hawaii’s playwrights…Plays for Hawaii’s people.”
Their latest endeavor is an adaptation of the book Pele Ma: Legends of Pele from Kaua`i by Frederick Wichman into a play entitled Pele Ma, which will be playing January 10- February 10. The play brings the undercurrents of Hawaiian legends to life.
It plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Get a true taste of the islands through folktale and theatre, through the eyes of the Hawaiian people.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Good Luck Chinese Dragon
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Home to many Chinese immigrants, is a bustling hub of Asian culture. During the month of February, the Chinese New Year Celebration is in full swing with a parade, a pageant, narcissus festival, music, and delicious treats. The entire schedule can be viewed for specific times and locations.
To kick off the celebration, the Mayor’s press conference is today, January 11, serving as the official start of the festivities. It will be held at Honolulu Hale at 10:30 am. To follow, there’s the United Chinese Coalition at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza on January 18 & 19 as well as the 25th and 26th.
On Friday, February 1, guests can attend First Friday Arts as well as an open house to Chinatown, sponsored by the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese New Year celebration runs from February 1-2 at the Chinatown Cultural Place culminating in a parade on February 2nd at 4 pm.
Finish off the festivities with “Night in Chinatown” after the parade, running until 10:30 pm. It’s sure to be a great time for everyone, promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Oahu’s rich Chinese heritage.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 9th, 2008 by jamie a
Beach in Oahu
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According to the Honolulu Advertiser, in a survey completed by .
Honolulu was named the third domestic destination by 507 surveyed travel agents, only after Las Vegas and Orlando, while the fourth spot was awarded to Maui and the ninth to Kaua’i.
Join the trend and pick up a or a and rate the islands for yourself. If you’ve got ideas about your own top 10 travel destinations, we’d love to hear your list in a comment!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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Go Oahu Card.
January 8th, 2008 by jamie a
Hibiscus photo uploaded by
What better way to spend a vacation than by taking a walk through a lush tropical forest? In Hawaii, everyone from the horticultural enthusiast to children of all ages can enjoy the plant life of the islands.
One of Hawaii’s most beloved flowers is the , the state flower of the islands. In colors of white, yellow, orange, or red and endless combinations, you don’t have to search very much to find these blossoms. Hawaiians love to use these flowers as a part of their local landscapes.
There’s also plentiful amounts of , out of which Hawaii has created an industry. In endless arrays of color combinations, many Hawaiians collect orchids and possess many rare varieties.
If you’ve never seen a , Hawaii also cultivates these beauties for creating stunning landscapes. With vibrant red, pink, white, purple, and yellows, ginger plants are another Hawaiian treasure. For example Shell Ginger is called ‘Awapuhi-’luheluhe,’ which means “dropping ginger,” and describes how the plant blooms and then spills downward.
And last, but not least, are the flowering vines of the islands. There’s the variety, which encompass many unusual blossoms and provide fruit juice. There are also many varieties of the , , and the glory bush, which all cover the trees and the land with beautiful color and texture.
Be sure and bring your camera along for the trip, as you’ll be amazed at the beauty you’ll encounter during your visit.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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January 7th, 2008 by jamie a
This Friday, January 11th at 7:30 pm, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen will be making a stop at the Hawaiian Hut in Honolulu on his concert tour.
The New Jersey based blues guitarist Chaz DePaolo will be opening the shows. After the opening, Commander Cody will showcase his”American-roots” style music on piano. You may remember Commander Cody from Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen. The band’s been around since being conceived in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1968, but made their true mark in San Francisco in 1969. You may remember their runaway hit of 1972, “Hot Rod Lincoln.”
For tickets, call ticket information at 808-545-2980 or 808-896-4845.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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Go Oahu Card.
January 2nd, 2008 by jamie a
Byodo-In Temple
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Oahu is an incredible blend of many Asian cultures including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Laotion, Thai, Filipino, and Korean. While you’re on the island, be sure and experience the unique offerings of all these cultures, from museums and spiritual experiences to dining and the arts.
Head over to the to learn more about the culture with a walking tour through Chinatown. A hotspot for tourists and locals alike, Chinatown is a wonderful example of Asian cultures living and working together in harmony. An important part of Hawaii’s history, Chinatown is a great way to learn more the islands.
There’s also the , which provides a glimpse into the Japanese-Hawaiian immigrant experience. The museum honors the pioneers who left Japan in search of a life in Hawaii and the generations that followed.
Built in 1968 to honor the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, the stands as a gateway to the . The name translates to the “temple of equality- not to discriminate” and the garden surrounding is the largest ever built outside of Japan.
To also have a taste of Japanese culture, Susan’s list of posted earlier on this blog is sure to have your mouth watering. This list from features a list of from Chinese to Vietnamese.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
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December 18th, 2007 by jamie a
Honolulu City Lights
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Our friend Evelyn over at the blog posted a great entry about the once the trees are decked out in their best holiday attire.
The trees in Bishop Square are her favorite, adorned with green, red, and clear lights to perform lovely light shows. The pools of water surrounding the square gives the whole square an environment that greatly enhances the views of the lights.
So, during your visit to Honolulu this holiday season, be sure and enjoy a stroll through the downtown for a beautiful experience of light and reflection. You can also check out this to keep your holiday season busy!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in Oahu over the holidays, here’s a list of attractions that will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The is open for breakfast, lunch, or evening cruises, complete with delicious food, a full bar, all in their plush, fully-equipped cabin.
At , you can see amazing performances by dolphins, sea lions, and penguins right before your eyes.
provides a first-hand perspective on Hawaii’s military history from the Polynesians and Hawaiian royalty to WWII through Vietnam. Gain a better perspective on the history of Hawaii and its role in wartime.
You could also take a tour on the or the to see the north shore of the island. After your tour, rent a kayak or snorkel gear from for even more exploring!
, home of the world’s largest maze and Hawaii’s original “pineapple experience,” will be closed on Christmas, but will reopen for New Year’s Day.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
